The Project

The Environment Friendly House is a small “sustainable” house in Port Townsend, Washington that challenged its owners to downsize, while not requiring major life style changes. An important element of this “green” house’s design process is intentionally programming what stays out of it, as well as what goes into it. In addition to usual residential design program items and resource conservation concerns, needs related to future personal health and rising energy costs figured prominently.

Key interests in the design’s development are:

• Reduced energy costs for a fixed income retired couple
• Use of low environmental impact materials and products
• Create a healthy indoor environment
• Generate less construction waste by thoughtful design
• Provide lifestyle flexibility to accommodate future energy and health unknowns

“The Environment Friendly House and studio were built for $123/sf, excluding the photovoltaic arrays and the deck. By keeping it small, integrating resource-saving and energy-saving design and materials, as well as acting on an awareness of indoor air quality by eliminating unnecessary toxins, Stafford was able to create a comfortable, efficient house for Sakura and himself to feel good about living in.” Quote from An Environmentally Responsible Home, by Vicki Beaver in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader 2005 Home Improvement & Building Guide, “Toolbox.”